Enlarged Prostate: Myths vs Facts of BPH

There are many medical conditions that have confusing and erroneous online information. One of these is an enlarged prostate, or BPH. Let’s separate the truth from the myths.

Myth #1: BPH Is The First Step To Cancer

Fact: Though both are common conditions, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not directly linked to prostate cancer. The enlargement is due to a non cancerous (benign) growth of prostate tissue (prostatic hyperplasia).

BPH is an enlarged prostate gland which many men develop as they age which interferes with the passage of urine.

Myth #2: Every Man Suffers With Symptoms From BPH

Fact: Some men have no symptoms from BPH. Others can have mild symptoms that are not very bothersome to them. However, there are men who develop annoying symptoms that keep them awake at night, cause them to spend more time in the bathroom, or lead to other more serious effects.

Common symptoms can include the following:

Urgency to urinate and/or urge incontinence (leakage of urine caused by the urge to go to the bathroom)
Thin stream with dribbling at the end
Difficulty starting to urinate or having to start and stop several times
Waking up several times at night to pee

Myth #3: You Just Have To Live With BPH

Fact: If your symptoms begin affecting your quality of life, there are several treatments that can help. Treatments for BPH do not have to be one size fits all. Every man is different and treatments can be better tailored to your body and needs.

Reach out to board-certified urologist Dr. Edward J. Sanchez for treatment options in The Woodlands, TX.

Myth #4: The Larger the Prostate Gets, The Symptoms Are More Severe

Fact: There is not always a great correlation between size and symptoms. A very small enlargement can cause severe symptoms, whereas a larger prostate can cause hardly any effects. Every man is different and this is why it is a good idea to create a unique treatment plan for each patient.

Myth #5: You Don’t Need Any Treatment For BPH

Fact: There are multiple reasons you should see Dr. Edward J. Sanchez for treatment. There are other issues that can develop such as frequent urinary tract infections or bladder stones. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to kidney and bladder damage. It is important to speak with a doctor about your symptoms early to avoid long term damage and more permanent issues. Left alone, BPH can even lead to permanent bladder failure requiring the use of a chronic bladder catheter.

Myth #6: Medication Is the Only Treatment For BPH

Fact: Medication may be the first treatment Dr. Edward J. Sanchez prescribes to see if your symptoms are reduced. If it works, this can be a great solution, but if your symptoms do not improve with meds or if long term medicines are not desired, there are several options you can consider. Dr. Edward J Sanchez is an expert at minimally invasive prostate procedures such as UroLift and Rezum that can treat your BPH right in the office, avoiding more invasive procedures.

UroLift is a procedure performed in an office setting under local anesthetic. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and works by lifting obstructing prostate tissue away from the urethra, opening the channel and improving the flow of urine.

Rezum is a water vapor based therapy that can treat inflamed prostate tissue blocking the urinary channel. This can be used to treat larger glands and is great for tricky anatomy that may not respond to other treatments. The treatment is completed in seconds right in the office.

For larger glands, Dr. Edward J Sanchez specializes in several outpatient (same day or short stay) procedures that can alleviate the bothersome symptoms experienced by so many men.

Let us help you find your best option.